Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2014 Syracuse University football campaign begins with a new-found optimism that carries over from last year's strong finish that included four wins in the Orange's final six games, among them that postseason conquest of Minnesota in the Texas Bowl.

Roger Praetorius

The differences from last year to this one are huge.

In 2013, SU had a new coach, a new system, a new league and not one but two new quarterbacks. Scott Shafer's first club opened with losses to Penn State and Northwestern, both challenging Big Ten teams that finished with a combined record of 12-12. Then the 2013 Syracuse squad defeated both Wagner and Tulane to even its record at 2-2 … and the season had a new beginning.

Once we get past Friday night in the Carrier Dome, I see no easy games on the Orange schedule. Still, I do believe that SU will be 3-0 when it takes on Notre Dame in the Meadowlands next month.

Villanova is up first, and I assume the Wildcats will turn into Dome dogs as we kick off Labor Day Weekend. The difference in FCS programs vs. FBS outfits is simple. The former get 63 scholarships; Syracuse and the rest of the big boys get 85. And that matters.

Those old I-AA schools do get some NFL talent, but less of it. New York's Victor Cruz (Massachusetts) and Baltimore's Joe Flacco (Delaware) are two current NFL stars who suited up for Eastern FCS teams. And as for Villanova, specifically, Brian Westbrook (who played for Philadelphia and San Francisco) was a Wildcat … and once upon a time, so was that great Oakland/Los Angeles Raider, Howie Long.

It's hard to believe, but the last time the Orange and 'Nova played football was back in Archbold Stadium in 1975, with SU winning 24-17. I am going to predict that, 39 years later, the Wildcats will be no match for Syracuse's overall speed and that the Orange will win big.

What do I predict for SU's 2014 campaign? How about eight wins going into its bowl game? Call me crazy, but I think the Syracuse program is on the cusp of a breakout season. These kids want to play for Shafer and his staff, and the learning curve should carry over from last year.

Everyone knows the Orange offense should be strong. But I think the receivers are still a question mark, and I need to see someone beside Ashton Broyld step up. I expect Terrel Hunt to turn into SU's next record-setting quarterback. If he ever gets hurt, though, I will start watching reruns of New Zealand soccer games on Saturdays.

Roger Praetorius, now a businessman in Syracuse, was a three-year letter-winner as a running back for Ben Schwartzwalder's SU teams in 1970, '71 and '72. During his Orange career, Praetorius rushed for 1,772 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was chosen in the ninth round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. His commentary will appear on syracuse.com every Thursday throughout the SU football season. Praetorius can be reached through Bud Poliquin at bpoliquin@syracuse.com